NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, NBC

Sunday night ends with yet another fantastic divisional matchup between two teams looking to capture their second victories of the season – not a bad way to end a weekend.

Minnesota’s strategy seems like an obvious one: establish the run and allow Adrian Peterson to do his thing. They weren’t able to capitalize last weekend against Tennessee, a disappointment to say the least. No matter who gets the start under center, success in this game will only go as far as the offensive line allows it to go. It’s critical for the Vikings to win at the point of attack and schematically create opportunities for their backs to thrive. If they can’t run the football, there’s little chance that they’ll pick up this win.

Ultimately, that’s because of their opponent, the always sound and dependable Packers squad. Jacksonville kept it tight last Sunday, but that ultimately provides little to worry about. Jordy Nelson’s return will allow the offensive attack to open up more each week. If they put together a squeaky-clean outing as they did last week, they shouldn’t have an issue against the Vikings. Dominating time of possession will be critical on both sides of the football, especially on the defensive end. Forcing third-and-long situations will create tough tasks for Minnesota, opportunities that will clearly favor Green Bay.

It doesn’t have to be perfect; an on-par Packers performance should be plenty to handle this matchup, even in a road divisional test.

Packers win in primetime, beat Vikings 28-19.

Next: Eagles/Bears